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Join clubs and attend campus events to build your community and explore new interests.

Get organized immediately with a planner and seek academic help before you fall behind.

Connect with professors during office hours and make an effort to network with peers.

Establish healthy routines for your body and mind, and don't be afraid to take risks.

If college is unlike any other time in our lives, freshman year is by far the most significant of that college experience. It’s when we leave home, first share space with a stranger, and live completely independently (...except from a financial standpoint, of course). It also is the semester that, for better or worse, sets the tone for the next few years. Get it wrong, and college can feel like a massive missed opportunity. But if you take my suggestions, your freshman year can be amazing and transform your life.

Even though we’re a few weeks into the semester already, there’s still plenty of time to make the most of freshman year:

1. Jump In and Get Involved

Join clubs and organizations even if you aren’t 100 percent committed. This is a great way to explore interests. Find activities that align with your passions or to discover new ones. Join clubs, student organizations, or sports teams to meet people and build a sense of community. Offer to take on leadership roles in these organizations. It’s a great way to develop your skills, gain experience, and make a positive impact on campus.

Attend campus events even if they seem a little lame. Attend welcome tailgating events, campus fairs, and other social gatherings. These are great opportunities to meet other students and familiarize yourself with the different vibes on campus. I’d also check out academic department activities. Attend guest lectures,........

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